ISSUE UPDATE: I have recently joined with a bipartisan group in Congress to introduce, H.R. 2227, the American Conservation and Clean Energy Independence Act of 2009.  This legislation is the roadmap to a stronger energy future – one in which we pursue the development of new energy alternatives and renewable sources that will make our energy production and energy use affordable and clean.  A summary of the legislation is available by clicking here.  For a copy of my press release on this legislation, please click here.

Our nation’s national security is tied closely with our energy security and energy independence.  As energy prices fluctuate, we need to have a comprehensive, all-of-the-above strategy focused on exploration, innovation, and conservation.  This is an approach that will simultaneously invest in our natural resources, domestic production and refining capabilities, and alternative fuel sources.

In the immediate future, there is more we must do to lessen our dependence on foreign oil.  We must expand our use of the natural resources we have here at home, increase our domestic production, and revamp our energy infrastructure – including updating and building new refineries.  The United States sits on vast, untapped resources in places like the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) where there is a mean estimate of 10 billion barrels of recoverable crude oil.  Additionally, deep sea drilling for oil and natural gas in the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) could provide approximately 86 billion barrels of crude oil and 420 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.  It is vital that we explore for these resources right here at home. After we tap into these domestic resources, we must build refineries to ensure these resources remain in the U.S. to benefit American families.

I remain committed to investing in and providing incentives for all different forms of alternative fuels.  American companies and entrepreneurs have continuously led the world in innovation.  The type of scientific discovery that we have seen in the realms of medicine and space exploration prove that we can bring that level of creativity to the debate over energy.  There are so many new and developing technologies – including biomass, nuclear, hydrogen fuel cell, wind, and solar technologies.  With the Savannah River Site residing partially within the Second Congressional District, we have the opportunity as a community to help show the rest of the country the benefits of nuclear energy.  This is a clean energy resource that provides nearly 50% of our electricity in South Carolina.  I will continue to support this as well as other types of safe, productive, and cost-effective energy sources.

Lastly, we need to promote conservation through tax credits for the purchase of hybrid vehicles and the construction of energy efficient homes and businesses.  Every American can participate in building a stronger energy foundation for this nation.